The Hannah Frankman Podcast

Laura Williams: Writing for the Real World

Dec 19, 2024

Laura Williams, a ghostwriter and managing editor at the American Institute for Economic Research, dives into the crucial discussion on writing's role in today's AI-driven world. She highlights writing as a tool for self-discovery and credibility, while addressing the alarming decline in writing standards in American education. Williams critiques reliance on AI in writing, emphasizes the need for more engaging assignments, and offers strategies for parents to nurture a love for writing in children, advocating for clarity and creativity over rigid formats.

01:19:08

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Episode guests

Laura Williams

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The decline in writing standards within American education reflects a broader issue of diminished critical thinking and curiosity among students.

Writing serves as an essential tool for self-discovery and societal engagement, allowing individuals to refine their thoughts and contribute to important conversations.

The rise of AI in writing tasks challenges traditional educational approaches, highlighting the need for more relevant and engaging assignments to foster genuine writing skills.

Deep dives

Historical Standards of Writing

Writing standards from a century ago reveal a significant decline in the quality of both writing and comprehension in contemporary education. Many people struggle to engage with older texts, not solely because of outdated language but due to a diminished appetite for complex ideas spurred by modern educational systems. The education system appears to discourage curiosity and critical thinking, which directly contributes to the decline in writing standards. This reduction in intellectual rigor allows institutions to maintain control, promoting complacency among individuals, thereby stifling personal and societal progress.

Intro

4min

AI and the Future of Literary Engagement

10min

The Impact of AI on Student Writing

10min

The Mechanics of Performative Writing and Rhetorical Reasoning

6min

The Dynamics of the Five-Paragraph Essay in Education

3min

Redefining Academic Writing

22min

Reimagining Writing Education

25min

Laura Williams is a ghostwriter, editor, and the current managing editor at the American Institute for Economic Research.

In this episode, we explore the many cases for teaching writing in today's social media and AI-driven world: as a form of self-discovery, a way of building credibility, a tool for developing and refining thoughts, and a means of joining the historical conversation around ideas. We also address the declining writing standards in American education and discuss how parents can nurture a love of writing for their children

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

4:26 - Cheating with AI

8:22 - Cultivating a "Good" Assignment for Students?

14:40 - What is Being Lost When Using AI to Replace Writing?

17:31 - Teaching for the Real World

21:59 - What is "Good" Writing

28:38 - The Five Paragraph Essay

32:04 - Moving Beyond Academic Overtone in Writing

36:30 - The Paramedic Method of Editing

38:18 - The Case for Writing

47:22 - Using Writing to Grapple with Other People's Thinking